Dear Kent

From the very beginning

You brought a new kind of happiness into our lives.

Kent as a toddler — Even as a little boy, your gentle heart and honest eyes told us who you would become.

Kent exploring as a baby — The world was new to you, and watching you discover it made everything new to us too.

Young Kent outdoors — You carried a quiet curiosity wherever you went, always ready for the next small adventure.

Kent sleeping peacefully — In the quietest moments, we could hardly believe how lucky we were to call you our son.

Kent holding his baby brother Dan — From the day Dan arrived, you were more than his brother - you were his first protector and friend.

Kent with his parents — Your smile had a way of turning ordinary family days into memories we would treasure forever.

Kent and Dan as young brothers — Two little brothers, learning side by side that growing up is better when you do it together.

Kent celebrating a birthday — Every birthday was another year of laughter, wonder, and the privilege of watching you grow.

Kent and Dan in a winter display — No matter the season, you and Dan always found a little world of your own to share.

Kent playing in an interactive exhibit — You met every new experience with imagination, courage, and your own thoughtful way of seeing things.

Kent and Dan making faces together — Brotherhood gave you someone to laugh with, lean on, and be completely yourself beside.

A family day by the ocean — Every journey felt like home because we were together.

Kent travelling by plane — Long before you were ready to fly on your own, we could already see how far you might go.

Kent and Dan celebrating a birthday — Year after year, Dan was there beside you - sometimes copying you, always looking up to you.

Kent hugging Dan in autumn — The best part of being brothers was never being alone on the road ahead.

Kent and Dan in their Croydon Public School uniforms — At Croydon Public School, you and Dan shared not only a uniform, but a childhood full of memories.

Kent and Dan at a birthday celebration — Life kept changing, but your place in our family remained our greatest source of joy.

Kent and Dan with their grandparents — You grew surrounded by generations of love, each of us quietly cheering you on.

Kent and Dan sharing a family meal — Some of the most precious memories were simply the two of you together around the table.

Kent on the Newington College campus — At Newington, you stepped into a new chapter with the same humility and determination you had always shown.

Kent in his Newington College jacket — Your achievements made us proud, but your sincerity and kindness made us prouder still.

Kent dressed for a formal school occasion — With every milestone, we saw the thoughtful young man emerging from the little boy we remembered.

Kent at a piano competition — Each time you walked towards the piano, our hearts followed - nervous, hopeful, and endlessly proud.

Kent receiving his AMEB piano diploma — Your diploma was more than an award; it was the beautiful result of years of patience, courage, and practice.

Kent and Dan together as teenagers — The little boys grew taller, but the bond between two brothers remained.

Kent with Dan and his mother — Whatever comes next, you will always have a family that believes in you completely.

Kent celebrating his seventeenth birthday — Seventeen years of you - seventeen years of making our lives fuller, happier, and more meaningful.

What we have always wanted you to know

Dear Kent,

Ever since you were little, you have always been such a lovely, kind-hearted and genuine child. You listened well, worked hard at school, and practised the piano with dedication. You have always treated others with sincerity and humility, and these qualities have made me incredibly proud of you.

From the moment you were born until today, seeing you has always brought me immense happiness. Sometimes I may have spoken to you too harshly, but please know that it was never because I did not appreciate you. It was because I cared too deeply and worried too much. Behind those words has always been a parent's love.

You have achieved so much through your own hard work. You earned a place in the highly regarded Opportunity Class at Summer Hill Public School. Later, you received scholarship offers from several private schools and also gained admission to North Sydney Boys High School. In the end, you began your secondary education at Newington College on a full scholarship.

I will also never forget the many times you won first place in piano competitions at Sydney eisteddfods. As I watched you, I often felt tears of happiness quietly welling in my eyes. I may not always have shown it, but inside I was overwhelmed with pride and joy.

Kent, you have made my life feel complete. You have brought me more happiness and joy than words can ever express. Having you as my son is one of the greatest blessings of my life.

As you prepare to begin the next chapter of your journey, I hope you will spread your wings and fly towards everything you dream of. Wherever life takes you, remain sincere, humble and kind. I hope you will grow into someone who uses his abilities not only to build a meaningful life for himself, but also to make even a small contribution to the lives of others and to humanity.

Always remember that you are deeply loved, and that I will always be proud of you.

With all my love,
Dad